Menzi Primary School concerned about long grass
“Not only does the long grass overshadow the beauty of the school, it poses a threat to the safety of the children as the grass is taller than the small children which would make it easy for criminals to harm the children and not be seen.”
Langaville – Parents and the school governing body (SGB) of Menzi Primary School are concerned about the safety of the learners as there is long grass around the school.
In light of the recent kidnappings of Amahle Thabethe and Ntokozo Ginya, the parents fear their children could fall victim to kidnappings while walking to or from school through the path that goes past the empty public bathrooms next to the school.
“Not only does the long grass overshadow the beauty of the school, it poses a threat to the safety of the children as the grass is taller than the small children which would make it easy for criminals to harm the children and not be seen,” says SGB member and parent Sesi Matlala.
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Parents have started walking their children to school, but they feel that is not enough.
“When workers from the municipality came to cut the grass on the one side of the school, we asked them why they cannot cut the long grass behind the school.
“They told us it is beyond their jurisdiction as that area is to be cut by the contractor building houses near the toilets,” she continues.
She also says neither the school nor the community know who the contractors are and are unable to ask them to cut the grass.
The school is also unhappy about the roads leading to the school.
“The roads are really horrible and inconvenience both the learners and the teachers,” says another SGB member and parent Vusi Busenga.
“The children slip and fall when it rains, ruining their day as they are stuck in the muddy clothes all day.
“The road inconveniences the teachers as it is hard for them to drive into the school.
“They have to teach in muddy classrooms because the learners walk in with muddy feet,” he continues.
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Principal of Menzi Primary School Ndumiso Mnguni says the problem with the roads will continue to exist even beyond the rainy season.
“We really need this road fixed because when it is not raining, the harsh winds blow the sand painfully onto the children and into the school yard, dirtying our beautiful school,” he concludes.
